Aerospace Engineer Salary in California
Based on 9K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$157,620
$75.78/hr
vs National Average
$130,131
+21.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$104K – $221K
9K employed in California
Aerospace Engineer salary in California averages $157,620 annually, positioning the state as a lucrative market for professionals in this field. This median reflects the compensation for approximately 9,170 aerospace engineers currently employed in California, representing a significant portion of the nation's aerospace workforce and indicating robust demand for specialized talent.
Several factors influence aerospace engineer compensation throughout California. Experience level, educational credentials, and specific engineering specialization play important roles in determining individual salaries. Additionally, the concentration of aerospace manufacturing and defense contractors in certain regions, combined with California's higher cost of living, contributes to wages running approximately 21 percent above the national average for this profession.
Salary Distribution — Aerospace Engineer in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $104,370 |
| 25th percentile | $129,010 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $157,620 |
| 75th percentile | $193,060 |
| 90th percentile | $220,670 |
Top-Paying Industries for Aerospace Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Aerospace Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Aerospace Engineers in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative and Support Services | $166,980 | 970 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $142,630 | 10K |
| Information | $138,400 | 260 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $137,970 | 860 |
| Manufacturing | $134,960 | 33K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Aerospace Engineer in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $132,540 |
| 2023 | $130,720 |
| 2024 | $143,860 |
| 2025 | $157,620 |
| 2026 (projected) | $167,077 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $132,540 | $112,679 |
| 2023 | $130,720 | $121,877 |
| 2024 | $143,860 | $126,293 |
| 2025 | $157,620 | $130,131 |
| 2026 (projected) | $167,077 | $137,939 |
Aerospace Engineer Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $129,010 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $157,620 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $193,060 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $220,670 |
Aerospace Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Aerospace Engineer Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Aerospace Engineer ($157,620 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Aerospace Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in CA | $210,280 | +33.4% | $101.10/hr |
| Nuclear Engineer in CA | $172,400 | +9.4% | $82.88/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in CA | $144,040 | -8.6% | $69.25/hr |
| Petroleum Engineer in CA | $143,590 | -8.9% | $69.03/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in CA | $130,900 | -17.0% | $62.93/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in CA | $130,410 | -17.3% | $62.70/hr |
| Materials Engineer in CA | $128,470 | -18.5% | $61.76/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in CA | $128,310 | -18.6% | $61.69/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in CA | $124,600 | -20.9% | $59.90/hr |
| Civil Engineer in CA | $122,500 | -22.3% | $58.89/hr |
| Marine Engineer in CA | $110,700 | -29.8% | $53.22/hr |
| Computer Network Architect in CA | $158,870 | +0.8% | $76.38/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do aerospace engineers make in California?
- Aerospace engineers in California earn a median salary of $157,620 per year, or approximately $76 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 21.1% premium for working in the state.
What is the salary range for aerospace engineers in California?
- Aerospace engineer salaries in California range from $104,370 at the lower end to $220,670 at the upper end, depending on experience, employer, and specialization.
How many aerospace engineers are employed in California?
- There are approximately 9,170 aerospace engineers currently employed in California, making it a significant hub for the aerospace engineering profession.
Is the aerospace engineer salary in California higher than the national average?
- Yes, California aerospace engineers earn 21.1% more than the national average, with a median salary of $157,620 compared to lower national figures, making it one of the best-paying states for this profession.